In a thrilling encounter at Wimbledon, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, advancing to the fourth round.
After a sluggish start on Centre Court, Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, triumphed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). Djokovic will face Holger Rune next, following the Danish 15th seed’s own comeback victory over Frenchman Quentin Halys in a five-set battle.
“A very challenging match, I think mentally as well, to hang in there,” Djokovic remarked. “I was not allowed to have too big concentration lapses. I think I’ve done well in that regard. That was one of the best tie-breaks I’ve played this year, that’s for sure.”
Popyrin, making his deepest Wimbledon run, began with determination, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the seventh game to take the first set. However, a lengthy pause to close the roof before the second set allowed Djokovic to regain his rhythm. The 37-year-old Serb, still sporting a knee support following June surgery, broke Popyrin in the fourth game.
Play was briefly interrupted late in the set as Centre Court fans erupted in celebration over England’s penalty shootout victory against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Both players took it in stride, with Djokovic mimicking a football kick and Popyrin raising his arms as if making a save.
Djokovic secured the set with his 1,000th Wimbledon men’s singles ace, joining an elite group of just six male players to achieve this milestone. The momentum stayed with Djokovic in the third set, breaking Popyrin in the opening game and dropping just three points on serve before sealing the set with another ace.
The fourth set was tightly contested, with Djokovic missing three break points before finally clinching the match in a tie-break.
“I didn’t expect anything less than what we experienced on the court today from Alexei,” Djokovic added. “With that serve and powerful forehand, he’s dangerous on any surface. I knew he was in form and he was going to come out believing he can win. He was the better player in the first set. I think I played a good second and third and the fourth was anybody’s game.”
